Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture and a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors.

09 Medinas, Gorges & Desert

Sahara DesertAdventure

For the more adventurous traveller we can head away from the beaten path to experience the Kasbahs and beauty of the Atlas Mountains, together with thesplendour and peace of the dunes, oases, of south east Morocco.

The journey is likely to start and end in Marrakech withits historic sites, bustling medina, overflowing souks, street entertainers and food sellers. From there we have a significant distance to cover, so take your time and enjoy the places on your way there and back.

Transport options: * Car (self-drive or with driver); taxi option also available. All travel times are approximate.

Extension options:Through the Middle Atlas Mountains and Ziz Gorges, via Midelt, to Fez (or M’hamid dunesand Draa valley instead of or in addition to dunes of Merzouga and Dades Valley).

Activity options:Camel treks, 7 day horse trek.

Weather: Please have a look at our 'Weather' page with further details and an average temperature guideline in various locations throughout the year.

Details

Medinas, Gorges and Desert Holiday Suggestion

We recommend 10 nights for this trip as there is significant distance to be covered, for example:

Prices from per £680 person (10 nights) excluding flights*

Day

Nights'Stay

Typical itinerary for illustration

1

2

Transfer** from Marrakech airport to Ait Benhaddou (4hrs) over Tizi n 'Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, view Kasbahs and the Ounila valley.

2

Visit the World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou whose ancient Kasbahs date back to the 16th century and are some of the best conserved in Morocco. Its location is on the former salt, gold and ivory carrying caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.

3

1

Transfer** to the Todra Gorge (3.5hrs) along fringes of the Atlas Mountains through the Oases of Skoura and the Valley of the Roses. Todra is a narrow and spectacular gorge with a thrilling approach as the walls of the gorge close in around you.

4

1

Transfer** to Merzouga (3.5hrs) on the edge of the Sahara Desert and the Erg Chebbi dunes, the most accessible large (160 metres high) sand dunes in the country,

5

1

Relax in your accommodation before 2 hr camel trek (leaving the Kasbah late afternoon), watch sunset, enjoy the night sky and have dinner. Sleep in your own tents (single, twin or double) sharing toilet. Wake to see sunrise & return to hotel for breakfast, where you can also take a shower.

6

2

Transfer** to Skoura (4hrs). Enroute there is the opportunity to visit the Dades Gorge/Valley.

7

The Skoura area has superb Kasbahs on its doorstep, including the ruins of the magical Kasbah Amerhidil.

8

3

Transfer** to Marrakech (5 hrs), afternoon visit to the souks and evening visit to the main Place Jemma de Fna.

9

Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged).

10

Visit the Agdal Gardens and Yves St Laurents Majorelle Gardens (via Caleche optional) and shop for Moroccan handicrafts at one of the Centre Artisanal's (a guide can be arranged).

11

Depending on flight times visit the Mellah and the tanneries (a guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to airport.

Location

Places to Visit

A striking fortified settlement (ksar), renowned as a backdrop to many films (including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator), and deservedly designated as a World Heritage Site, it houses some of the best conserved kasbahs in Morocco.

This narrow, spectacular gorge up to 300 metres deep is the most spectacular in Morocco and has deservedly become popular with walkers and more especially rock climbers, due to the hundreds of routes available.

This village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes is the perfect place to take in the essence of the Sahara: the most accessible large dunes in Morocco (the highest are near M'Hamid - an alternative destination), attaining a maximum height of 150 metres, lie just 50 kms south-east of Erfoud, roughly midway between Fez and Marrakech.

An oasis settlement 45 minutes' drive to the north east of Ouarzazate, it boasts magnificent kasbahs such as the magical Kasbah Amerhidil and significant palmeries with hidden lovely off-the-beaten-track guest houses.

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors. From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

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